(This is a recap of some ground we covered in the welcome message. Please reread, however, as there is additional material )
First, we have the text of the 1855 (first) edition, divided into sections 1 through 52.
Second, each section has been broken down into stanzas (sentences, in this case). Each stanza is numbered according to its place in each section and a link has been added below. For example, the first stanza of the first section is numbered 1.1 and is linked to a commentary page with that name.
This division and sub division of the poem will allow us to do a close reading, line by line, and also create a section by section summary of the poem. We'll divide up the work (with some overlap) so that, together, we can create a gloss that will help each of us grasp the broad strokes of the poem.
In addition, words that are likely to cause some consternation for modern readers have had links created leading to a larger glossary of terms that we will build as we read.
You are encouraged to create new commentary pages for significant lines, text or phrases that you feel need or deserve comment, explanation or elucidation or which cause you particular confusion. Don't feel shy (Whitman wouldn't) about creating too many links. The only rule is that you document what you learn by adding to the knowledge available to all of us. Which leads to the discussion tabs.
Every page--sections, stanzas, glossary entries, commentary, etc.--has an attached discussion board. Simply click on the "Discussion" tab at the top and create a new thread or reply to an existing one. This is the appropriate place for asking questions about a stanza, word, section, comment or about another student's work on that particular element. It also serves as our means of arbitration and dispute resolution. Feel free to point out what might be errors or what might need elaboration, but please be civilized and polite. Feel free to yawp or gab, but avoid the belch'd flame.Our Critical Approach Our Tools
...Creating a Glossary Page Critical Questions
...on Poetry
...on Song of Myself
...on Walt Whitman
...on Whitman's America Resources
Our Tools
(This is a recap of some ground we covered in the welcome message. Please reread, however, as there is additional material )
First, we have the text of the 1855 (first) edition, divided into sections 1 through 52.
Second, each section has been broken down into stanzas (sentences, in this case). Each stanza is numbered according to its place in each section and a link has been added below. For example, the first stanza of the first section is numbered 1.1 and is linked to a commentary page with that name.
This division and sub division of the poem will allow us to do a close reading, line by line, and also create a section by section summary of the poem. We'll divide up the work (with some overlap) so that, together, we can create a gloss that will help each of us grasp the broad strokes of the poem.
In addition, words that are likely to cause some consternation for modern readers have had links created leading to a larger glossary of terms that we will build as we read.
Please read this page for instructions on how to create a glossary entry.
You are encouraged to create new commentary pages for significant lines, text or phrases that you feel need or deserve comment, explanation or elucidation or which cause you particular confusion. Don't feel shy (Whitman wouldn't) about creating too many links. The only rule is that you document what you learn by adding to the knowledge available to all of us. Which leads to the discussion tabs.
Every page--sections, stanzas, glossary entries, commentary, etc.--has an attached discussion board. Simply click on the "Discussion" tab at the top and create a new thread or reply to an existing one. This is the appropriate place for asking questions about a stanza, word, section, comment or about another student's work on that particular element. It also serves as our means of arbitration and dispute resolution. Feel free to point out what might be errors or what might need elaboration, but please be civilized and polite. Feel free to yawp or gab, but avoid the belch'd flame.Our Critical Approach
Our Tools
...Creating a Glossary Page
Critical Questions
...on Poetry
...on Song of Myself
...on Walt Whitman
...on Whitman's America
Resources